As winter descends, Lahore warms with clay cups of chai

LAHORE: As winter settles over Lahore, the city’s chai (tea) culture comes alive, turning ordinary evenings into warm, aromatic celebrations.

From Gulberg to Johar Town, chai cafés glow with laughter, music, and steaming cups of tradition.

“Matka [clay cups] chai is outstanding, especially in winter! I come here every day with my friends,” says Bilal, a regular visitor in his 20s, during an interview with Pakistan TV Digital. “The atmosphere is amazing, with Qawwali and all, we really enjoy it here.”

At Chaye Hujra, the scent of simmering spices blends with the soft rhythm of qawwali. Owner Irfan says, “We serve special Matka Chai, along with Zafrani and Kashmiri Chai.

The most loved one is our Tandoori Matka Chai. With qawwali, bonfires, and laughter, winter nights here are always full of life.”

Matkas cradle centuries of flavor, aroma, and shared tradition, turning each sip into a small celebration. Steam rises, music flows, and Lahore’s chai cafés become the city’s winter stage, where friends gather and stories are shared.

Pakistan’s love for chai spans millions, placing it among the world’s highest-consuming nations of the beloved beverage. For many Lahoris, winter is synonymous with a steaming cup of chai, a simple yet cherished moment of warmth amid the crisp evening air.